June Red squirrels show survival tactics in the face of native predator

New research from University of Galway reveals how red squirrels adapt their behaviours in habitat shared with pine marten

Ireland’s native red squirrels are able to detect and respond to a returning natural predator, the pine marten, according to a new study from University of Galway.

 The research reveals that these behavioural changes enhance their chance of survival and help to explain their resilience of red squirrels, particularly in contrast to the sharp decline of the invasive grey squirrel, following the resurgence of the pine marten.

 Co-authored by Dr Emily Reilly and Dr Colin Lawton of the School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway, the full study was published today in Royal Society Open Science.

 The research into red squirrel behaviour was conducted over 16 months in two woodland sites - Derryclare Woods in Connemara, Co Galway, and Belleek Woods in Ballina, Co Mayo.

 Using trail cameras at feeding stations, researchers monitored and analysed visits by red squirrels and pine martens. The team discovered that red squirrels showed an anti-predator response by feeding less and showing increased vigilance, indicating that they can detect recent pine marten presence and judge the level of threat based on how recently the presence occurred.

 The researchers showed that this heightened caution faded over time, suggesting that red squirrels are capable of assessing the risk and adapting their responses accordingly.

 Rising pine marten populations have led to a sharp decline in grey squirrel numbers in recent years. Around the same time the red squirrel population has not only persisted, but increased.

 The study suggests that this divergence in population is due to the red squirrel’s long evolutionary history with the pine marten, which has equipped the arboeal creature with instinctive behaviours such as alertness and reduced feeding that allow them to coexist with their natural predator.

 Unfortunately for the grey squirrel, it does not share either the evolutionary history or the instinctive behaviours.

  Dr Emily Reilly said: “It is amazing to see the red squirrels respond to the presence of a pine marten that may have visited the feeding station hours or even days earlier. Their level of sensitivity is impressive and has clearly given them a significant survival advantage. The research from our woodlands in the west of Ireland is a fascinating example of how the protection of native species, in this case, the pine marten, can help restore balance in the ecosystem.”

 The full study published in Royal Society Open Science is available at https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.250661   

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